SB1071 Summary

• Establishes the "Wildland Fire Act" creating liability for persons who negligently, recklessly, or intentionally cause or spread wildland fires for resulting property damages, regardless of whether the fire begins on federal, tribal, state, public, or private land.

• Exempts electric utilities from negligence liability for wildland fires if their facilities and operations complied with Corporation Commission requirements and the National Electric Safety Code in the absence of exceptional conditions.

• Limits damages awards to the lesser of restoration costs or the difference in fair market value before and after the fire, excluding punitive damages and treble damages.

• Creates the "Wildland Fire Mitigation Program Act" requiring the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to develop a wildland fire mitigation program with priority incentives for voluntary adoption of mitigation practices by landowners and managers.

• Establishes a pilot program targeting geographical areas affected by wildland fires of at least 40,000 acres within the past 10 years and creates a revolving fund for program implementation using appropriations, grants, and private donations.

• Effective date: November 1, 2025.